Chapter 230 - 230: Caught Off Guard (1)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

“Do you need to see a doctor?” Ye Xiaoxi asked with concern.

“It’s not a big problem.” Xiao Yeyu replied, growing increasingly impatient. Tonight had been terrible for her, and even when people were genuinely kind to her, she felt like they were deliberately mocking her. Especially Ye Xiaoxi didn’t she understand how to read people’s moods? She kept chattering away, perhaps wanting to show off that she had become a wealthy young lady of the Yuan family. Did she think it was such an amazing accomplishment?

“Xiaoxi, since Yeyu says she’s fine, don’t disturb her. Let her have some quiet time,” Jiang Yining, noticing Xiao Yeyu’s discomfort, quickly halted Ye Xiaoxi.

Ye Xiaoxi obediently nodded.

Xiao Yeyu whispered, “I’m sorry, I’ll go first.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Yining responded very coldly.

She had always been this way. With friends she trusted, she was open and would offer help wherever she could. However, if she considered someone an outsider who hadn’t provoked her, she would keep her distance. And if someone did provoke her, well, she wouldn’t hold back in her retaliation.

She used to think highly of Xiao Yeyu, genuinely considering her a friend. Although they weren’t as close as Jiang Yining was with Ye Xiaoxi, she would still extend a helping hand to Xiao Yeyu in times of need.

But ever since she suspected that Xiao Yeyu might be plotting against Ye Xiaoxi, she had become guarded.

Until she thoroughly investigated the entire situation, she wouldn’t easily let her guard down around Xiao Yeyu.

Xiao Yeyu bid a distracted farewell to the two and hastily departed.

After Xiao Yeyu left, Ye Xiaoxi asked in a hushed tone, “Yining, did you have a falling out with Yeyu?”

The atmosphere between the two of them felt strange. They hadn’t shown it openly, but Ye Xiaoxi’s intuition told her that something was different from before.

“Nah, don’t overthink it,” Jiang Yining said with a faint smile as she ruffled Ye Xiaoxi’s hair.

“Oh, alright then,” Ye Xiaoxi said, deciding not to press further.

The banquet continued until late in the evening. Ye Xiaoxi had a bit of wine and felt a bit dizzy. She bid farewell to Jiang Yining and Lu Zhi before they got into the car.

As they were about to leave, Ye Xiaoxi turned to Old Master Yuan and said with a silly smile, “Grandpa, you don’t have to give me the shares. Just keep them, and as long as you treat me well, 1 won’t ask for anything else.”

Returning to the Yuan family was, indeed, driven by the desire for their wealth.

She didn’t want to go back to those days of poverty and endless debts. However, after spending time with Old Master Yuan, she had grown fond of him.

The feeling of being loved and cared for by an elder was something she cherished.

“Silly girl, this is my way of providing for you,” Old Master Yuan said, his thoughts drifting to Qiaoqiao.

She had been a bit foolish but loyal. Even when he was penniless, she had stayed with him, promising to wait for his return. She hadn’t given up on their child even when the Xie family had forced her out. In a way, this was not just about Ye Xiaoxi. It was also a form of redemption for Zhang Qiaoqiao.

Old Master Yuan continued, “I won’t be able to accompany you forever. When I’m gone someday, these shares in the company will be your strength. Remember, you can’t give these shares to anyone, not even your future husband or children. As long as you’re alive, hold on to these shares. They will treat you with the utmost respect and deference.”

“Boohoo, Grandpa, please don’t talk about dying…”

Ye Xiaoxi didn’t hear the rest of his words, she just covered her eyes, sobbing softly.

Old Master Yuan’s heart softened instantly. How could he leave this naive girl to fend for herself in the Yuan family?

As he comforted Ye Xiaoxi, other guests approached to greet him.

Unable to stay longer, Old Master Yuan instructed his son, Yuan Xudong, who was nearby, “Xudong, take Xiaoxi home.”

“Yes, Father.”

Without hesitation, Yuan Xudong stepped forward and picked up Ye Xiaoxi, holding her gently in his arms.

Old Master Yuan wasn’t pleased with his son’s earlier rough handling and cautioned, “Be careful. Xiaoxi is a young lady, and you should handle her gently to avoid causing her harm.”

Yuan Xudong was taken aback. Even though she was a young lady, she wasn’t fragile like glass.

However, under the stern gaze of his father, he adjusted his actions to be more gentle and carefully placed Ye Xiaoxi in the passenger seat.

Old Master Yuan stayed behind to continue seeing off the remaining guests, leaving Yuan Xudong and Ye Xiaoxi to depart for home..